Joburg gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz will be representing South Africa under the gymnastics division at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Rooskrantz, along with athlete Akani Simbine, will be the official Flag Bearers for Team South Africa at the international games.
Caitlin, a 22-year-old hailing from Johannesburg, will be making her second Olympic appearance at this year’s games in Paris, kicking off on 26 July.
A remarkable feat for the determined young lady, who already has multiple international titles behind her name.
The gymnast, who started her journey at six years old, represented the nation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and placed 61st all-around in qualifications.
“It feels great to know that I have ‘two-time Olympian’ behind my name. Qualifying for the first time was one of my biggest life dreams achieved. At the time, I did not even think that I would be going for a second one. But here I am, about three years later, heading to my second one,” said Rooskrantz, in conversation with the Daily Maverick.
View this post on Instagram
In 2020, Rooskrantz, along with fellow South African athlete Naveen Daries, were the first female gymnasts to represent the nation at the Olympics since 2004. Inclusivity and representation are at top of mind for Caitlin.
View this post on Instagram
“Representation matters especially in a sport like gymnastics which was predominantly known to be a white sport and in a country like South Africa,” Rooskrantz told Olympics.com.
“We (South Africa) are the rainbow nation and to have a team full of people of colour is very inspiring to the young girls to see that gymnastics isn’t what you think it would be and that everyone can do it,” she added.
Taking to social media to announce her qualifying 2024 Olympic ticket, Rooskrantz wrote:
“By Gods Grace, I have qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.”
Rooskrantz went on to acknowledge the trials, wins and losses it took to reach her second Olympic spot, thanking her supporters for staying in her corner along the way.
“To everyone back home, thank you for all the love and support during this time. I am so lucky to have so many people in my corner routing for me,”
“To that little girl out there, never stop believing. God put that dream in your heart for a reason. Paris, here we come baby!”
View this post on Instagram
Rooskrantz, along with accomplished SA sprinter Akani Simbine, were appointed as the official Flag Bearers for Team South Africa at the Paris Olympic Games this year. Flying the SA flag high!
ALSO SEE:
Feature Image: Instagram / @caitrooskrantz
